About Montessori

Philosophy

The Montessori approach is based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori and has been time tested for nearly 100 years, achieving success throughout the world. Her premise was that education should be an aid to life. In order to develop their physical, intellectual, and spiritual powers to the fullest, children must have freedom – a freedom to be achieved through order and self-discipline. Respect for a child’s personality and trust in their inner potential provide the foundation for a successful early childhood experience.

The Montessori approach is designed to assist each child in acquiring the social skills and self-confidence that are needed to fulfill his own potential. This is accomplished by building on interests, nurturing enthusiasm, and making activities available to fit individual needs.

Though much has been said about the academic achievements of Montessori children, the value lies in the self-discipline, self-mastery and love of learning that children achieve.

Children

Dr. Montessori observed that the young child’s natural response was to work for the joy and fulfillment of an activity. “No human being can truly be educated by another, but instead must do it himself or it will never be done.” – Maria Montessori

Our goal is to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn. In a Montessori environment, the children develop a positive self-image and a self-motivated approach to learning that will be beneficial for the rest of their lives. As children work in an environment that expects personal responsibility, they become more self-disciplined and achieve higher self-esteem. Since 1907, Montessori has been ahead of the curve with enlightened concepts such as math manipulatives, sensory experiences, cooperative learning, languages and cultures, and care of the person and environment. Experiences in art, music, movement and science are also parts of the curriculum.

Guides

Dr. Montessori used the term “Guide,” rather than “Teacher.” The guide brings children into contact with the world in which they live, and the tools by which they learn about their world. Mutual respect for ourselves, each other and the world is of great importance. Our small class sizes allow students to benefit from powerful mentoring relationships with adults who will work with them for three very important years.

Our guides are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and are further certified by American Montessori Society and the North American Montessori Center.

Parents

Parents are an integral part of the Montessori community and add to the spirit of the entire educational process. Parents involve themselves in their children’s educational activities on a regular basis, through observations, conferences with guides, and parent education. We see our parents as partners in the education process. We applaud their role in the children’s lives, and we definitely offer them support.